DelhiLt Governor agrees to relax land use norms for private unrecognised schools

Updated on: Friday, February 22, 2013

In a major relief to private unrecognised schools, Lt Governor Tejendra Khanna has agreed to relax land use norms in the Delhi Master Plan 2021 so that these schools are not closed down.

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had taken up the matter with Union Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath and the Lt Governor.

Amendment was necessary in the Master Plan to allow existing unrecognised schools to continue functioning as per provisions of the Right To Education Act 2009, Delhi Education Minister Kiran Walia said.

As per existing norms, these unrecognised schools will have to be closed down with effect from April 1 if required changes are not made.

Khanna, in a communication to Chief Minister's office, has stated that he was in full agreement with the suggestions related to amendment to Master Plan submitted by her.

"This will result in big relief for thousands of children studying in neighbourhood schools as the city government and municipal bodies stand authorised to grant recognition of unrecognised schools," Dikshit said.

Following implementation of the RTE Act, 2009, it has become necessary to review the land use norms in respect of primary and elementary schools so that maximum numbers of school can be recognised, the minister said.

"The amendment would ensure that neighbourhood schools whether recognised or unrecognised, fulfilling MPD-2021 norms or otherwise would not be closed with effect from April 1," an official said.

As per the RTE Act, a primary school must have a minimum area of 800 sq m and a senior secondary school must have an area of 2,000 sq m to get recognition from the government.

DelhiLt Governor agrees to relax land use norms for private unrecognised schools

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